Immunohistochemical demonstration of androgen receptors on testicular blood vessels.

Using an antiserum directed against the human and rat androgen receptor we have used immunohistochemistry to demonstrate that nuclear androgen receptors are present in the muscular layer of almost all arteries within the rat testis. These receptors are apparently influenced by testosterone. They disappear after Leydig cell depletion induced by ethanedimethane sulphonate (EDS) and return after testosterone treatment. It is suggested that testicular blood vessels could be a target-organ for androgens and may mediate some of the effects of androgens on the testicular microcirculation.